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Timor-Leste Tightens Import Regulations

In a bid to enhance public health and safety, the Government of Timor-Leste has introduced new regulations governing the importation of various goods.

Key Regulations

The new regulations aim to ensure the safe and healthy importation of goods into Timor-Leste, in line with international standards and best practices. The key regulations include:

  • Quarantine Control: Imports subject to quarantine control must be inspected for insect infestation upon arrival.
  • Canned Meat: Canned meat or hermetically sealed packs of meat that do not require refrigeration can also be imported, provided the total weight does not exceed 5% of the meat weight.
  • Milk and Milk Products: Milk and milk products must be derived from pasteurized milk.
  • Animal Vaccines: Animal vaccines require prior authorization from the Directorate of Quarantine.
  • Tobacco Products: Tobacco products require an import permit from the Ministry of Health.
  • Fuel Imports: Fuel imports are regulated by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) under the Law on the Petroleum Downstream Sector.
  • Motor Vehicles: Decree 30/2013 sets down requirements for importing motor vehicles, distinguishing between light and heavy vehicles. Light motor vehicles must be either new or less than five years old from the date of their original manufacture.

Import Requirements

The following goods are subject to specific import requirements:

  • Fresh meat that is not canned or hermetically sealed and requires refrigeration: The Directorate of Quarantine Services has the authority to apply other requirements for these imports.
  • Animal skins and skin-made products: These are subject to veterinary inspection upon importation.

Service Fees

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry of Finance have issued a joint ministerial statute defining service fees connected to:

  • The granting of import licenses
  • The issuance of certificates of origin
  • Other services related to imports

Contact Information

For more information on importing goods into Timor-Leste, please contact:

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
  • Ministry of Health
  • National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
  • Department of Motor Vehicles, Ministry of Transport and Land Transport